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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.